Wharton mayor calls for voluntary evacuation due to flooding [View all]

[TexasTowelie]

WHARTON, TX (KTRK) -- The mayor of the city of Wharton is calling for a voluntary evacuation as of 5pm today for the west side of the city due to the predicted rise of the Colorado River.

Residents on the west side are encouraged to begin preparations to ensure they have an evacuation plan in place, plenty of water, nonperishable food items, sufficient clothing and any prescription medications they may need in the event of a flood.

The city of Wharton continues to monitor the situation and has begun preparations for possible flooding. The City Office of Emergency Management is working with the Red Cross to establish a shelter for those who maybe misplaced by the flood and do not have a place to go. For additional information, check www.cityofwharton.com.

Meanwhile an emergency shelter is being set up by The Red Cross in Liberty as floodwaters continue to rise.

The Lake Livingston Dam release and the nearby Trinity River are major concerns for the area.

Already several families were stranded for days at their homes because of washed out roads. One mother even ran out of formula for her children.

A voluntary evacuation is in place. The emergency shelter is located at 318 San Jacinto in Liberty.

http://abc13.com/news/wharton-mayor-calls-for-voluntary-evacuation/744958/

[font color=330099]I'm in a second floor apartment on the east side of the city where there is higher ground. The river is about a mile away and it is dry here, but I may not post if I lose power or something.[/font]